The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus: During the Reigns of the Emperors Constantius, Julian, Jovianus, Valentinian, and ValensAmmianus Marcellinus
History
The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus: During the Reigns of the Emperors Constantius, Julian, Jovianus, Valentinian, and Valens
Ammianus Marcellinus
Rome -- History -- Empire, 284-476
12. And so it was done. And when they arrived in the suburbs, the
prince, according to his custom, met them, praising those whom he
recognized, and reminding individuals of their gallant deeds, he
congratulated them with courteous words, encouraging them to go
cheerfully to join the emperor, as they would reap the most worthy
rewards of their exertions where power was the greatest and most
extensive.
13. And to do them the more honour, as they were going to a great
distance, he invited their chiefs to a supper, when he bade them ask
whatever they desired. And they, having been treated with such
liberality, departed, anxious and sorrowful on two accounts, because
cruel fortune was separating them at once from so kind a ruler and from
their native land. And with this sorrowful feeling they retired to their
camp.
14. But when night came on they broke out into open discontent, and
their minds being excited, as his own griefs pressed upon each
individual, they had recourse to force, and took up arms, and with a
great outcry thronged to the palace, and surrounding it so as to prevent
any one from escaping, they saluted Julian as emperor with loud
vociferations, insisting vehemently on his coming forth to them; and
though they were compelled to wait till daylight, still, as they would
not depart, at last he did come forth. And when he appeared, they
saluted him emperor with redoubled and unanimous cheers.
15. But he steadily resisted them individually and collectively, at one
time showing himself indignant, at another holding out his hands and
entreating and beseeching them not to sully their numerous victories
with anything unbecoming, and not to let unseasonable rashness and
precipitation awaken materials for discord. At last he appeased them,
and having addressed them mildly, he added--
16. "I beseech you let your anger depart for a while: without any
dissension or attempt at revolution what you wish will easily be
obtained. Since you are so strongly bound by love of your country, and
fear strange lands to which you are unaccustomed, return now to your
homes, certain that you shall not cross the Alps, since you dislike it.
And I will explain the matter to the full satisfaction of the emperor,
who is a man of great wisdom, and will listen to reason."
17. Nevertheless, after his speech was ended, the cries were repeated
with as much vigour and unanimity as ever; and so vehement was the
uproar and zeal, which did not even spare reproaches and threats, that
Julian was compelled to consent. And being lifted up on the shield of
an infantry soldier, and raised up in sight of all, he was saluted as
Augustus with one universal acclamation, and was ordered to produce a
diadem. And when he said that he had never had one, his wife's coronet
or necklace was demanded.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account